3 cocktails inspired by the masters to bring Augusta into your living room

The Masters is not just a tournament; it’s a whole sensory experience.

Vibrant azaleas, bright green streets and the quiet hum of patrons through meticulously trimmed pines. Everything has its place, even food and drinks.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a badge to take advantage of the atmosphere that The National grounds bring. Whether you’re watching from your couch, porch, or wherever you’ve got a TV and some sunlight, there’s nothing a little sip of Georgia can’t fix.

After a few years of hitting the ground running, here are 3 cocktails that I think can bring some of the Augusta magic into your living room.

1. Azalea (Top Masters)

If there is a drink that ESTABLISHING Masters, this is it. Light, citrusy and quite sweet. It’s basically spring in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Sprinkle of grenadine

Instructions:

1. Add vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled glass over fresh ice.
4. Add a light splash of grenadine for that special tinge of pink.
5. Garnish with a lemon or cherry wheel.

Why it works:
It’s refreshing without being complicated. You can do it in less than a minute, and that feels like something you’ll drink while walking to Amen Corner.

2. Georgia Peach Bourbon Smash

You can’t talk about Augusta without indulging in the flavors of Georgia. This brings some southern gravitas without losing that easy drinking feel.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 ripe peach (or 1 oz peach puree)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 3–4 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine the peaches, mint and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice and ice.
3. Shake briefly (don’t overdo it – you want some texture).
4. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint or peach slices.

Why it works:
It’s a little richer, a little more “back porch at golden hour.” Perfect for late afternoon coverage when the drivers are making their move.

3. Honey Mint Julep

It’s not officially a Masters drink, but it is feels right. Southern, simple and built for slow drinking.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey + warm water)
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Lightly mix the mint and honey syrup in a glass (do not crush the mint).
2. Add the bourbon.
3. Fill the glass completely with crushed ice.
4. Stir gently until the outside of the glass becomes cold and frosty.
5. Drizzle with more ice and garnish with a large sprig of mint.

Why it works:
It bends from the south without being heavy. The honey mellows the bourbon, the mint keeps it fresh and slows you down in the best way, which is exactly how the Masters should be enjoyed.

The last pour

Sure, you might not walk the turf at Augusta. You might not get a $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich.

But you can still set the atmosphere.

Throw down the cover, open a window (or better yet, bring your setup to the back deck), shake a drink and sit back.

Because the magic of Masters isn’t about where you are, it’s about how it makes you feel. And this… as close as you’ll get without a green jacket.